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for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’ <a href="/kjv/judges/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. <a href="/nkjv/judges/5.htm">New King James Version</a> ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD, ‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the mighty.’ <a href="/nasb_/judges/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD, ‘Utterly curse its inhabitants, Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the warriors.’ <a href="/nasb/judges/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216Curse Meroz,&#8217 said the angel of the LORD, &#8216Utterly curse its inhabitants; Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the warriors.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/judges/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD, ‘Utterly curse its inhabitants; Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the warriors.’ <a href="/lsb/judges/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of Yahweh, ‘Utterly curse its inhabitants, Because they did not come to the help of Yahweh, To the help of Yahweh against the warriors.’ <a href="/amp/judges/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the messenger of the LORD, ‘Utterly curse its inhabitants; Because they did not come to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the mighty.’ <a href="/csb/judges/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Curse Meroz,” says the angel of the LORD, “Bitterly curse her inhabitants, for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD with the warriors.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Curse Meroz,&#8221 says the Angel of the LORD,&#8221 Bitterly curse her inhabitants, for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty warriors.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of Jehovah. Curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, Because they came not to the help of Jehovah, To the help of Jehovah against the mighty. <a href="/cev/judges/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The LORD's angel said, "Put a curse on Meroz Town! Its people refused to help the LORD fight his powerful enemies." <a href="/erv/judges/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. <a href="/gwt/judges/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Curse Meroz!" said the Messenger of the LORD. "Bitterly curse those who live there! They did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD and his heroes." <a href="/gnt/judges/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Put a curse on Meroz," says the angel of the LORD, "a curse, a curse on those who live there. They did not come to help the LORD, come as soldiers to fight for him." <a href="/isv/judges/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> "'Meroz is cursed!' declared the angel of the LORD. 'Utterly and totally cursed are its inhabitants, because they never came to the aid of the LORD, to the aid of the LORD against the valiant warriors!'" <a href="/msb/judges/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Curse Meroz,? says the angel of the LORD. ?Bitterly curse her inhabitants; for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.? <a href="/net/judges/5.htm">NET Bible</a> Call judgment down on Meroz,' says the LORD's angelic messenger; 'Be sure to call judgment down on those who live there, because they did not come to help in the LORD's battle, to help in the LORD's battle against the warriors.' <a href="/nheb/judges/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Curse Meroz, said the angel of the LORD. Curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty. <a href="/wbt/judges/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly its inhabitants; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty. <a href="/web/judges/5.htm">World English Bible</a> ‘Curse Meroz,’ said Yahweh’s angel. ‘Curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they didn’t come to help Yahweh, to help Yahweh against the mighty.’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Curse Meroz, said a messenger of YHWH, "" Cursing, curse its inhabitants! For they did not come to the help of YHWH, "" To the help of YHWH among the mighty! <a href="/ylt/judges/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Curse Meroz -- said a messenger of Jehovah, Cursing, curse ye its inhabitants, For they came not to the help of Jehovah, To the help of Jehovah among the mighty! <a href="/slt/judges/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Curse ye Meroz, said the messenger of Jehovah: Cursing, curse ye her inhabitants; For they came not to the help of Jehovah To the help of Jehovah against the mighty ones.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Curse ye the land of Meroz, said the angel of the Lord: curse the inhabitants thereof, because they came not to the help of the Lord, to help his most valiant men. <a href="/cpdv/judges/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> ‘Cursed be the land of Meroz!’ said the Angel of the Lord. ‘Cursed be its inhabitants! For they did not come to the aid of the Lord, to the assistance of his most valiant men.’ <a href="/nabre/judges/5.htm">New American Bible</a> “Curse Meroz,” says the messenger of the LORD, “curse, curse its inhabitants! For they did not come when the LORD helped, the help of the LORD against the warriors.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Curse Meroz, says the angel of the LORD, curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they did not come to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse it, and curse the inhabitants thereof, because they came not with men to the help of the LORD. <a href="/hpbt/judges/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “Curse Merod”, said The Angel of LORD JEHOVAH! Curse it and curse its inhabitants because they did not come to the help of LORD JEHOVAH with men<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Curse ye Meroz', said the angel of the LORD, 'Curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, Because they came not to the help of the LORD, To the help of the LORD against the mighty.' <a href="/sep/judges/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> to curse Meroz: Curse ye it, said the angel of the Lord; cursed is every one that dwells in it, because they came not to the help of the Lord, to his help among the mighty. <a href="/parallel/judges/5-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=1380" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/5.htm">The Song of Deborah and Barak</a> …22Then the hooves of horses thundered—the mad galloping of his stallions. 23<a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ’ō·w·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">‘Curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/4789.htm" title="4789: mê·rō·wz (N-proper-ms) -- A place in N. Pal. Of uncertain derivation; Meroz, a place in Palestine.">Meroz,’</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’aḵ (N-msc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">the angel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ’ō·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate.">‘Bitterly curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/779.htm" title="779: ’ā·rō·wr (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To curse. A primitive root; to execrate."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šə·ḇe·hā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">her inhabitants;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/5833.htm" title="5833: lə·‘ez·raṯ (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- Help, helper, assistance. Or mezrath; feminine of ezer; aid.">to help</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5833.htm" title="5833: lə·‘ez·raṯ (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- Help, helper, assistance. Or mezrath; feminine of ezer; aid.">to help</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: bag·gib·bō·w·rîm (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-mp) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">against the mighty.’</a> 24Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Jeremiah 48:10</a> Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed. <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a> And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” <a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41-46</a> Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. / For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, / I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.’ ... <a href="/revelation/3-16.htm">Revelation 3:16</a> So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! <a href="/james/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a> Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin. <a href="/luke/10-10.htm">Luke 10:10-16</a> But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, / ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ / I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. ... <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Matthew 11:20-24</a> Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ... <a href="/ezekiel/30-6.htm">Ezekiel 30:6</a> For this is what the LORD says: The allies of Egypt will fall, and her proud strength will collapse. From Migdol to Syene they will fall by the sword within her, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/isaiah/48-22.htm">Isaiah 48:22</a> “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” <a href="/zephaniah/3-8.htm">Zephaniah 3:8</a> Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. <a href="/isaiah/34-5.htm">Isaiah 34:5-6</a> When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:8</a> in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Romans 2:8</a> But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. <a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">2 Timothy 4:14</a> Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. <a href="/deuteronomy/27-26.htm">Deuteronomy 27:26</a> ‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Curse you Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse you bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.curse ye<a href="/1_samuel/26-19.htm">1 Samuel 26:19</a> Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the LORD have stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the LORD; for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, Go, serve other gods.<a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Jeremiah 48:10</a> Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.<a href="/1_corinthians/16-22.htm">1 Corinthians 16:22</a> If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.meroz.<a href="/judges/2-1.htm">Judges 2:1</a> And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.<a href="/judges/4-6.htm">Judges 4:6</a> And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?<a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11</a> And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.they came<a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Judges 21:9,10</a> For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there… <a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Nehemiah 3:5</a> And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.to the help<a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a> And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.<a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17</a> And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD'S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him.<a href="/1_samuel/25-28.htm">1 Samuel 25:28</a> I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/2-4.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-32.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/numbers/14-39.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/judges/1-17.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-19.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Help</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/judges/2-4.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/judges/3-2.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/genesis/24-13.htm">Townspeople</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/judges/5-13.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/judges/18-25.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/judges/21-2.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Cursing</a> <a href="/judges/6-6.htm">Help</a> <a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/judges/5-29.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/judges/6-2.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Townspeople</a> <a href="/judges/15-2.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/judges/20-44.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 5</div>1. <a href="/judges/5-1.htm">The Song of Deborah and Barak</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>‘Curse Meroz,’ says the angel of the LORD. The mention of Meroz is unique to this passage, and its exact location remains unknown, though it is believed to be near the battle site where Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera. The curse pronounced by the angel of the LORD, a divine messenger often associated with God's direct intervention, underscores the seriousness of Meroz's failure. In biblical context, curses are significant and denote divine disfavor, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/27.htm">Deuteronomy 27-28</a>. The angel of the LORD appears in various Old Testament passages, often as a theophany, suggesting a direct communication from God, as seen in <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Genesis 16:7-13</a> and <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>.‘Bitterly curse her inhabitants; The repetition of the curse emphasizes the gravity of the offense. Inhabitants of Meroz are singled out for their inaction, which is seen as a betrayal of their covenantal duty to support God's people. This reflects the communal responsibility in Israelite society, where collective action was often necessary for survival and success. The bitterness of the curse suggests a deep-seated disappointment and anger, akin to the curses found in <a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Jeremiah 48:10</a> against those who do not do the LORD's work with zeal.for they did not come to help the LORD, The phrase implies that aiding Israel in battle was equivalent to helping the LORD, highlighting the theocratic nature of Israel where God was seen as the ultimate leader and king. This concept is echoed in <a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a>, where David declares that the battle is the LORD's. The failure of Meroz to assist is seen as a direct affront to God Himself, illustrating the expectation of loyalty and support among the tribes of Israel.to help the LORD against the mighty.’ The "mighty" refers to the Canaanite forces led by Sisera, who were oppressing Israel. The call to help against such formidable foes underscores the need for unity and courage among God's people. This phrase also reflects the biblical theme of God using the weak to overcome the strong, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>. The expectation was that all of Israel would rally to God's cause, as seen in the collective efforts during the conquest of Canaan in Joshua. The failure of Meroz serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting one's duty to God and His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/meroz.htm">Meroz</a> A location mentioned only in this verse, whose inhabitants are cursed for not aiding in the battle against Sisera. The exact location is unknown, but it is significant for its failure to act. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_lord.htm">The Angel of the LORD</a> A divine messenger who pronounces the curse on Meroz. In the Old Testament, the Angel of the LORD often represents God's presence and authority. 3. <a href="/topical/d/deborah_and_barak.htm">Deborah and Barak</a> Leaders of Israel during the time of the Judges. Deborah was a prophetess and judge, and Barak was a military leader. Their victory over Sisera is the context for this passage. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sisera.htm">Sisera</a> The commander of the Canaanite army, defeated by the Israelites under Deborah and Barak's leadership. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The God of Israel, who is depicted as the ultimate leader in the battle against Sisera and his forces.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_action_in_faith.htm">The Importance of Action in Faith</a> Meroz is cursed for inaction. Faith requires us to step forward and act, especially in times of need. <a href="/topical/d/divine_accountability.htm">Divine Accountability</a> God holds individuals and communities accountable for their actions and inactions. We are called to be active participants in God's work. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a> Like Deborah and Barak, we are called to be courageous and trust in God's strength, even when the odds seem against us. <a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a> The curse on Meroz highlights the importance of communal responsibility. We are part of a larger body and must support one another in God's mission. <a href="/topical/l/listening_to_god's_call.htm">Listening to God's Call</a> The Angel of the LORD's pronouncement reminds us to be attentive to God's call and respond with obedience and action.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 5</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_handle_mean_people.htm">What does the Bible advise about handling mean people?</a> <a href="/q/does_divine_aid_favor_the_self-reliant.htm">Does divine assistance favor self-reliant individuals?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_josh._23_5_align_with_later_battles.htm">How does Joshua 23:5's promise of complete conquest align with later biblical texts showing ongoing battles and incomplete occupation of Canaan?</a> <a href="/q/why_send_an_evil_spirit_in_judges_9_23.htm">Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) Curse ye Meroz.--The guilt of Meroz was worse than that of the tribes which held aloof, because, whatever may have been its exact site, it was evidently in the very heart of the country which had been thus inspired to strike a blow for freedom. Possibly it would have been in the power of the inhabitants at least to cut off the retreat of the enemy. We may conjecture, from the ban thus laid on Meroz, that it felt the vengeance of the victorious Israelites, and was destroyed or punished like Succoth and Penuel. Their crime was detrectatio militiae, which the ancients regarded with special indignation. The case of Jabesh Gilead, in <a href="/context/judges/21-9.htm" title="For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there.">Judges 21:9-10</a>, may account for the difficulty of ascertaining the site of the town; it is not mentioned elsewhere. By some it is identified with Kefr Musr, a village to the south of Tabor (5 Raumer); by others with Marussus, north of Bethshean. It has been conjectured that the true reading may be Merom, and Dr. Thomson identifies it with Marom, as Eusebius alludes to it under the name Merran, and Jerome calls it Merrom. They, however, place it near Dothan, twelve miles from Shechem--a very unlikely locality.Said the angel of the Lord.--The Maleak Jehovah, as in <a href="/judges/3-1.htm" title="Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;">Judges 3:1</a>. Here, as in that passage, some (referring to <a href="/haggai/1-13.htm" title="Then spoke Haggai the LORD's messenger in the LORD's message to the people, saying, I am with you, said the LORD.">Haggai 1:13</a>; <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm" title="For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.">Malachi 2:7</a>) suppose that Deborah is herself the angel or messenger of the Lord. However that may be, she certainly speaks as the mouthpiece of Jehovah's messenger (<a href="/judges/4-4.htm" title="And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.">Judges 4:4</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 23. - Meroz, in the time of Jerome Meres, a village otherwise unknown, twelve miles from Samaria. The mighty. Not the same word as that so rendered in ver. 22, but that usually rendered a mighty man, or a man of war. <a href="/commentaries/judges/5-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>‘Curse א֣וֹרוּ (’ō·w·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> To execrate Meroz,’ מֵר֗וֹז (mê·rō·wz) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4789.htm">Strong's 4789: </a> Meroz -- a place in Northern Palestine says אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the angel מַלְאַ֣ךְ (mal·’aḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> A messenger, of God, an angel of the LORD. יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel ‘Bitterly curse אֹ֥רוּ (’ō·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_779.htm">Strong's 779: </a> To execrate her inhabitants; יֹשְׁבֶ֑יהָ (yō·šə·ḇe·hā) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry for כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they did not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no come בָ֙אוּ֙ (ḇā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to help לְעֶזְרַ֣ת (lə·‘ez·raṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5833.htm">Strong's 5833: </a> Help, helper, assistance the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel to help לְעֶזְרַ֥ת (lə·‘ez·raṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5833.htm">Strong's 5833: </a> Help, helper, assistance the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel against the mighty.’ בַּגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃ (bag·gib·bō·w·rîm) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> Powerful, warrior, tyrant <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/5-23.htm">OT History: Judges 5:23 Curse Meroz said the angel of Yahweh (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/5-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 5:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 5:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/5-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 5:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 5:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>